The Gallivant is a striking one-storey, 20-key property ideally situated opposite Rye’s fabled Camber Sands. Owned and operated by Harry Cragoe, the hotel has recently benefitted from a significant refurbishment and expansion of its restaurant, with the addition of a new bar, snug, sitting room and private dining room.
Red Deer drew extensively from locally-found elements for its interior scheme. New planting has been added to the exterior of the property to soften its facade, while exposed cedar timber framework, battening and wooden framed sash windows – indoor, and out – echo the local architecture within the 14th-century town of Rye and provide a rustic warmth to the design scheme.
The dining area has been entirely remodelled, and blends a Californian motel style design with British seaside chic. A natural palette of muted sandy shades, pale green hues and paired-back furniture in natural beech, oak and black ash have been teamed with lush palmy planting. Nickel fisherman wall lamps, framed vintage photographs and beachwear complete the look, with a nod to the Great British love affair with the seaside.
The new private dining area, The Cabin, features Crittall windows with reeded glass to provide privacy. This intimate room seats 16, with comfy armchairs upholstered in vibrant Navajo inspired fabric and brass wall lamps providing soft ambient lighting.
Red Deer has incorporated a comfortable and chic bar area within the new spatial design, featuring a dark wood bar and brass counter with rich green leather bar seating and ikat textiles.
Providing the perfect retreat for reading and board games, the new sitting room calls to mind a Hampton beach house. Rugged coastal finishes of washed-out plasters and limed woods combine with deep heavy cottons in nautical tones throughout, while built-in shelving is ornately adorned with books and local curiosities.
The final space is the snug – a warm, welcoming abode complete with a half moon banquette, log fire and skeepskin throws.
